Garden Design Trend #4 – “Private, Secluded Spaces”

Each year Garden Design Magazine comes out with their top ten list of landscape trends for the upcoming year. Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting a different trend. Next up? Creating private, secluded places.

Privacy is one of the most popular design requests we receive for back yard spaces. Finding a quiet, secluded spot (especially in urban areas) can be a struggle. With with a little planning, and help from us, we can create a private outdoor space all your own. We begin in the planning phase.

What types of activities are you looking to enjoy in your space? This helps us determine the size and layout of the area. What time of day do you plan on using the space most? This will determine if natural light or landscaping lighting will effect your enjoyment of the space. Will you need hardscaping? A patio or seating area may be required. Is the area noisy? We can plan for that with plants that create a noise barrier. Or perhaps the white noise of a water feature will help to block out everyday noise.

Once we narrow down how you will be using the space we can design a plan to fit all your needs. We can help you make your space feel “cozy” by creating a sense of enclosure. Plants surrounding the area will visually block unwanted views while creating a more “snug” environment. Are you interested in enclosing the overhead plane? A pergola or trellis gives the feeling of a “roof” while still letting you enjoy the experience of being outside.

Photo Credit: http://photos.unilock.com

We suggest if you want the space to feel relaxing that you keep things simple. A simple plant palette will keep the area more serene and less distracting. Especially if you are looking for an outdoor office or exercise space. The same can be said for the hardscaping in your space. A simple patio or gravel area will be visually less distracting than an intricate hardscape that draws the eye.

If you are considering creating an outdoor retreat we suggest doing some research on what you like, and do not like, about different spaces that are similar. During your landscape consultation you can share this research with a designer to help them gain insight into your likes and needs. A little work up front will lead to a big payout in the end.